Propaganda and caricature in the First World War

The use of propaganda during World War I was expected to demoralize the enemy population, rendering it unable to fight. Propaganda in the form of caricatures and cartoons were less effective in that role than in instilling ideas into the subconscious of the citizenry, particularly in Germany. Cartoonists of both sides ridiculed various images of their opponents in an effort to defame or belittle them in the eyes of the viewer. The success of this propaganda form is best demonstrated by the low esteem held by Germany for US will and fighting ability prior to World War II.